DefenseSouth Korea Advances Plan for Additional Maritime Patrol Aircraft
South Korea has initiated the process to acquire six additional maritime patrol aircraft, with the requirement currently in its early stages. Possible competitors are Boeing, Embraer, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). A procurement decision is expected next year.
The new acquisition follows South Korea’s recent entry into P-8A operations. The country is assessing both established and emerging platforms as it seeks to augment its maritime surveillance capability.
Industry proposals include more Boeing’s P-8A aircraft, which has seen recent sales to Canada, Denmark, and Singapore.
Embraer has offered a maritime patrol version of its E190-E2 regional jet, featuring a mission suite with six operator stations, a full sensor array, four wing hardpoints, and a torpedo bay.
KAI, in turn, has presented a concept based on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet, with provisions for torpedo carriage.
Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force also recently agreed to explore a maritime patrol variant of the C-390, which would add sensors and anti-ship missile hardpoints. South Korea has already ordered three examples of the standard C-390 airlifter.
The Republic of Korea Navy currently operates 15 P-3 Orion aircraft and six P-8A. The fleet represents the bulk of South Korea’s existing maritime patrol capability.
South Korean authorities are expected to decide on the procurement of additional P-8As or alternative solutions in the coming year.
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